The Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association will co-host a listening session on hours of service regulations with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration at the Guilty By Association Truck Show taking place Sept. 27-29, in Joplin, Mo.
FMCSA hopes to gather feedback that it will use to determine if HOS revisions can alleviate unnecessary burdens placed on drivers while still improving highway safety. After introductory remarks from FMCSA, participants will be invited to share their views on current regulations and other topics related to commercial truck drivers in an open forum.
The FMCSA public listening session on HOS regulations is scheduled for Sept. 28 from 3:30- 5 p.m. at the 4 States Trucks’ shop area behind the main store. FMCSA has set up an online registration page for the event.
OOIDA has been open about its stance on current HOS regulations, calling them overly complex and inflexible and saying that they do not reflect the capabilities or limitations of individual drivers. The group petitioned the FMCSA earlier this year and expressed support for proposed legislation that could reform current regulations that dictate rest breaks for drivers.
OOIDA’s petition recommended that drivers be allowed to take rest breaks once per 14-hour period for up to three consecutive hours as long as the driver is off-duty. It also suggested eliminating the 30-minute break requirement.
The tenth annual show is presented by OOIDA and 4 State Trucks, and OOIDA plans to host its 45th anniversary at the event. OOIDA leadership will host two open house meetings on Sept. 28 and 30.
Truck show attendees can also participate in scheduled entertainment and activities. Other events include a professional bull riding competition, a truck and tractor pull, a motorcycle stunt rider show, big rig drag races, a truck convoy for the Special Olympics of Southwest Missouri, and a downtown concert featuring Confederate Railroad.
